'Igbo Must Wait' - Orji Kalu Shuts Down 2027 Presidential Ambition for Southeast For Tinubu

Amid growing speculations over the 2027 presidential election, former Senate Chief Whip and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains the party's sole candidate for re-election, asserting that he must complete eight years in office.

Kalu, who appeared on Channels Television's Politics Today on Monday, dismissed any debate about an Igbo presidency in 2027, insisting that the Southeast must present a widely acceptable candidate at the right time rather than pushing for a presidency it cannot achieve alone.

"Tinubu Must Complete Eight YearsÔÇØ - Kalu Declares

Addressing concerns over APC's stance on the next election cycle, Kalu stated that, as far as the ruling party is concerned, there is no alternative to Tinubu.

"Well, in our party, we have only one presidential candidate now. And Tinubu has to do eight years. It's a must,ÔÇØ Kalu asserted.

He justified his stance by pointing to the economic policies implemented by the Tinubu administration, claiming they have started yielding positive results.

"You can see the repairs he has done to the economy, and things are starting to pick up again. This president is not even doing politics. He has never told anybody he wants to run for election or not,ÔÇØ he added.

Kalu further revealed that Tinubu's re-election already has the backing of the APC National Executive Committee (NEC), citing a motion proposed by Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, and confirmed by the party's National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.

Igbo Presidency Can't Happen in 2027 - Kalu

While acknowledging the importance of an Igbo presidency, Kalu maintained that 2027 is not the right time. He urged the Southeast to focus on producing a candidate that all Nigerians can accept, rather than agitating for a presidency that lacks nationwide support.

"I am not going to discuss anything about the Igbo presidency. But I still tell you there is a need for it,ÔÇØ he stated. "The Igbo must present an acceptable candidate to all Nigerians. No one zone can make a president. President Tinubu was not elected by the Yoruba. He was elected by all Nigerians.ÔÇØ

His comments are expected to stir political debates, particularly among pro-Igbo presidency advocates who have been pushing for a power shift in 2027.

With Tinubu yet to formally declare his intention to seek re-election, Kalu's remarks further solidify speculations that the APC is already positioning him as its flagbearer, effectively shutting out other contenders within the party.